Words by our in-house Naturopath, Nutritionist & Medical Herbalist, Em.
In the quest for better health that can come with the freshness of a new year, it's easy to get lost in the maze of quick fixes, trendy diets, and supplements that promise to revolutionise your well-being. But what is the most consistent factor that underpins all of your health outcomes? The answer is simpler than you might think: You!
Your body, your choices, and your lifestyle ultimately shape your experience of health. While supplements and personalised protocols can be immensely helpful, it is your approach to how you use them, along with your daily habits, that makes the biggest difference and leads to longevity. Our health is not an outcome to be achieved, it is something we dose up on or deplete everyday.
1. Traditional + Personalised Nutrition
No Two Bodies Are The Same
It is important to remember that no two bodies are exactly the same, and every-body is moving through different things in their day-to-day lives. Each person has unique needs based on genetics, lifestyle, environment, stress levels, and so on. What works for one person might not work for another. That said, a traditional approach nutrition— local, seasonal, unprocessed foods or food-based supplements—is a strong foundation upon with personalised pieces can be added. Eating whole foods that are in season, nutrient-dense, and as close to their natural form as possible is the foundation of nutrition for everybody.
You Are What You Eat
The food you eat isn’t just fuel; it’s medicine and makes up your very body and biochemistry. The way food nourishes and heals the body is rooted in ancient wisdom that is timeless. Foods like bone broth, fermented vegetables, muscle and organ meats, and traditional grains like millet and quinoa are loaded with nutrients that support gut health, strengthen immunity, and promote overall well-being. But how you incorporate them into your routine matters. Are you mindful in your food choices? Do you prioritise nutrient-dense meals over processed or highly-refined foods? Take stock of the gap between your ideal and your actions - and do your best to close it. Often that lies simply in ownership and getting the right support for resourcing and empowering yourself.
The Power of Consistency
Taking a traditional approach to nutrition isn't about fad diets or once-in-a-while cleanses; it’s about consistency and sustainability. The real magic happens when you make small but consistent adjustments. This could be taking your daily dose of traditional supplements, like probiotic-rich foods, beef liver, or bone broth, or making sure you're getting more nutrient dense foods than you are refined and highly processed ones. Health is a long-term commitment, and every choice you make matters. Consistent, mindful decisions will lead to lasting benefits.
Mind-Body Connection
Your mental and emotional state plays an equally important role in your health. Traditional nutrition foods and supplements can only do so much. When combined with a positive mindset, stress management practices like yoga or meditation, adequate sleep, movement, and social connection the body’s ability to heal and thrive is optimised. In other words, your attitude and emotional well-being are just as important as the foods you consume.
2. Traditional Supplements: A Supporting Role
When it comes to supplements, the keyword here is "support." Traditional supplements like herbs, adaptogens, and functional mushrooms have been used for centuries to balance and enhance the body’s natural functions. These supplements work in synergy with a balanced diet and lifestyle choices. But remember: no supplement can replace a healthy diet or a balanced lifestyle. It’s about creating harmony between what you eat, how you move, how you manage stress, and the supplements you take.
3. The Power of Intention in Nutrition
The most powerful aspect of traditional food and supplements is the intention behind their use. Are you using them for a quick fix or as part of a broader, long-term commitment to health? The best outcomes come when you approach your health as a long-game. Listening to your body, staying informed about what it needs, and making conscious choices to nourish it daily.
4. You Are Your Health’s Best Advocate
In conclusion, while traditional nutrition and supplements offer invaluable support, it is ultimately you who holds the key to your health. You are the one who makes the choices, sets the routines, and determines how to care for your body. By focusing on long-term, sustainable practices—through nutrition, mindfulness, and consistency—you set the stage for profound and lasting health outcomes.
Remember: every small choice adds up. You have the power to make changes today that will impact your health tomorrow.
Invest in yourself, listen to your body, and make traditional nutrition and supplements part of your holistic health journey. The results will speak for themselves.